The use of intravenous emulsions containing omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids in clinical practice: recommendations of a team of experts

Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE) are an integral part of parenteral nutrition (PN) in all situations the latter is required. Fatty acids supplied from PN are the source of non-protein energy and essential fatty acids (EFAs). Lipids modulate a variety of biological functions, including inflammatory responses and immune system activity. Fish oil (FO) containing omega-3 fatty acids has become an important ingredient of modern lipid emulsions. An increasing literature evidence suggests that emulsions containing FO provide significant clinical benefits as compared to preparations lacking thereof, which demonstrates their advantage over older generations of ILE. On February 1, 2024 and March 10, 2024, meetings of a team of experts with extensive clinical experience in the use of PN were held in Bydgoszcz and using an online platform, respectively. During the meetings, the current state of knowledge was assessed and a consensus was developed regarding the use of the latest generation of lipid emulsions in patients requiring PN. The recommendations apply to adult patients in three different clinical settings: intensive care units, surgical wards, and home parenteral nutrition (HPN). The recommendations are intended to assist healthcare professionals in the decision-making processes by providing practical guidance related to the supply of lipid emulsions as part of PN.